Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you’ll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There’s so much stuff to choose from. There’s a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you’re into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there’s a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Apply by Student Type

Ready to apply for admission? Find instructions, requirements and information to help you complete an application to NMU. If you need help at any time in the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Freshmen or First year students - A student who will be attending college for the first time after high school completion. This includes students who have taken college courses while still in high school.

Home School - A student who will be attending college for the first time after completing a high school curriculum through home schooling. This includes students who have taken college courses while still in high school.

Transfer Students - A student who has completed college-level work at any college or university (but not NMU) after high school graduation, and has not completed a baccalaureate degree.

Dual Enrollment - Dual enrollment students are those concurrently enrolled in high school (not yet graduated) and NMU courses. These classes count for both high school graduation requirements and NMU course credit.

Military Veterans - Applicants are those who qualify for VA educational benefits through former or current service in the United States Military.

International Students - International and Canadian students are those who are not U.S. citizens and not U.S. permanent residents (do not hold a "green card"/alien registration card).

Re-entry Students - A re-entry student is a student who has previously taken a course at NMU (after high school graduation), has not completed a baccalaureate degree, and who wishes to enroll in a future term at NMU. (Re-entry students are not required to pay an additional application fee.)

Post-baccalaureate Students - A student who has obtained a baccalaureate degree (at NMU or another institution) who is planning to complete a second undergraduate degree or seek an initial secondary or elementary provisional teaching certificate. Students with earned baccalaureate or higher degrees who are not seeking an undergraduate degree or teaching certificate should apply as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student."

Graduate Students - A student who has obtained a baccalaureate degree who is planning to complete a graduate certificate or graduate degree. Students with earned baccalaureate or higher degrees who are not seeking a graduate degree, nor an undergraduate degree or teaching certificate/endorsement, should apply as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student."

Guest Students - A guest student is one who is regularly enrolled at, and eligible to return to, another college or university but who wishes to earn credit from NMU.

K-12 Students - Even before you're ready for college, you can do some pretty cool stuff at NMU. And learn more about planning for college.

Non-Degree Students - A student who has completed high school (but not a baccalaureate degree) who plans to take courses for personal or professional development, and who is not planning to pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree at this time. Those with a baccalaureate degree who do not wish to pursue another degree must take courses as a “non-degree graduate student” and should complete a non-degree graduate application.

Online Learners - Online learners are those who will take all of their NMU coursework via the Web. Online learners should determine which type of student they are from the list above and follow the instructions for that category.